How to Play Online Poker

Online poker has quickly become a global phenomenon. It started in the early 2000s when Chris Moneymaker won a $10,000 buy-in WSOP Main Event for just $86 and parlayed it into a massive payday. After that, companies pumped millions into online poker sites and live televised shows and the game went from recreational to mainstream.

To be successful at poker online, a player must have several skills. Discipline and perseverance are essential, but so is a strong focus and the ability to make mathematically sound decisions. Additionally, a good online player must be able to choose the best limits and game variations for their bankroll. A player also needs to be able to read tells.

When playing poker online, players are dealt a large number of hands. This makes it important to learn how to evaluate each hand and determine if it has any potential to improve. It’s also important to be aware of what other players are doing, especially in turbo Sit ’n Gos and fast-fold cash games. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game and play marginal hands, but this can lead to big losses.

Limiting the number of tables you play is a good way to protect your bankroll. There’s a lot to see and process when playing poker online, so the more tables you play, the more likely you are to lose. Additionally, limiting your table count can help prevent you from becoming a grinder and slowing down the action.